Secretariat Support Manager

Permanent

Grade B - £28,598 - £34,434

Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Equal Pay Programme

Working 36.5 hours per week

About the Role:

We are seeking a methodical individual to work closely with the Secretariat Manager to provide IR support for all consultative forums. You will be advising Line Managers and the HR function to effectively coordinate; report and manage consultations and Trade Union activity across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

The postholder will support the Secretariat function for Corporate Industrial Relations and HR policy Team, by providing administrative support for Trade Union and industrial relations activities across the Council. The ideal post holder will assist in maintaining accurate records of Trade Union representatives and facility time, play an active role in supporting meetings, consultations, and day-to-day coordination of IR processes. They will be comfortable offering basic guidance to managers and HR in line with established policies and agreements.

Key Responsibilities also entail:

Maintain an up-to-date register of accredited Trade Union representatives across the Council.
Manage and coordinate Trade Union information in line with collective agreements.
Support the Industrial Relations Manager in meeting statutory IR obligations, including consultations and dispute resolution meetings in schools.
Monitor and report on Trade Union facility time, ensuring accurate tracking, audit, and compliance processes.
Provide advice and guidance to managers and HR on IR policies, Trade Union agreements, and facility time arrangements.
Deputise for IR Managers and support consultation forums across directorates as required.
Lead and coordinate the different working group meetings and to support the development and review of HR policies.
Compile and submit reports on Trade Union activity and facility time to external bodies and networks.

What We’re Looking For:

We are looking for a methodical and very structured individual, who also has great attention to detail. You will demonstrate a working understanding of industrial relations (IR) frameworks and Trade Union agreements. You will also be expected to understand statutory requirements relating to Trade Union facility time, including paid and unpaid entitlements. Applies this knowledge to support compliance and effective engagement with Trade Union representatives.

About You

You will have experience in supporting HR teams, in this case the industrial relations, HR policy team, or a related corporate governance environment, ideally within a large public sector or complex organisation. You will demonstrate an understanding of industrial relations frameworks and the importance of effective partnership working with Trade Union colleagues. Strong organisational and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to apply your knowledge in a practical, solution-focused way.

You will bring experience of supporting or participating in local consultation with Trade Unions, including involvement in arranging meetings, consultation meetings or dispute resolution meetings. You will have a sound knowledge of HR practices and employment law, gained through working in an HR or related environment.

Why Join Birmingham City Council?

As one of the largest local authorities in Europe, Birmingham City Council offers the opportunity to work on high‑impact, city‑wide issues within a supportive and inclusive organisation committed to partnership working, equality, and continuous improvement.

What We Offer:

A supportive, diverse and inclusive working environment.
Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
Flexible working arrangements including some hybrid working.
Access to Local Government Pension Scheme.
Generous annual leave entitlement and employee wellbeing initiatives.

Please upload your up-to-date CV via the attachments part of your application, this is required for shortlisting. Unfortunately, we cannot consider any applications without a CV attached

Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people.

We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.

For any informal enquires please contact the Resourcing Team <Resourcing@birmingham.gov.uk>

Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.

Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You can view our Corporate Safeguarding Policy | Birmingham City Council here.

Job Description and Person Specification

Secretariat Support Manager- Job Description and Person Specification.pdf